​The WNBA has announced that its 2026 All-Star events will take place at the Obama Presidential Center, marking a historic first for a professional sports league to host activities at the center since its public opening last month. The All-Star weekend is scheduled for July 24-25 in Chicago, with a full slate of events including media day, practices, Changemaker Day, and Jr. WNBA Day hosted at the Obama Center in addition to the weekend’s games and festivities.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed pride in the partnership, stating that bringing AT&T WNBA All-Star events to the Obama Presidential Center honors the league’s mission to foster connection through basketball and engage communities in meaningful ways. She emphasized the opportunity to unite the WNBA family with the broader Chicago community to create memorable experiences at this historic new venue.
The Obama Presidential Center, a centerpiece of the event, houses a 60,000-square-foot athletic facility that includes a regulation basketball court, providing an impressive setting for the league’s showcase weekend. The 2026 All-Star lineup will feature several of the league’s most recognizable and celebrated players, who will participate in the weekend’s on-court activities and appearances, underscoring the event’s star power and broad appeal.
Among the players expected to be on hand for the All-Star festivities are several notable starters who have helped define the season’s competitive landscape. Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, Olivia Miles, Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston, Natasha Howard, Jessica Shepard, Breanna Stewart, Gabby Williams, and A’ja Wilson are slated to participate as starters, bringing elite talent and excitement to the weekend. The reserves slated to join the All-Star roster include Sonia Citron, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Marina Mabrey, Kelsey Plum, Courtney Williams, Jackie Young, Kiki Iriafen, Jonquel Jones, Dominique Malonga, Nneka Ogwumike, and Angel Reese, rounding out a deep and dynamic pool of players set to showcase the WNBA’s strengths.
The decision to host the All-Star events at the Obama Presidential Center is seen as a strategic move to leverage the Center’s significance and to spotlight Chicago as a hub for women’s basketball during the 2026 season. The weekend’s programming is designed to maximize engagement with fans and the broader community, offering opportunities to experience high-level competition,education, and culture in a setting that honors the Center’s historical and cultural resonance.
As organizers prepare for the weekend, attention will likely focus on how fans can attend media day and practice sessions at the Obama Center, and how the Changemaker Day and Jr. WNBA Day will connect young fans, families, and students with the sport’s top players and influential figures. The All-Star events are expected to draw significant media coverage and fan interest, enhancing the league’s profile in Chicago and beyond while showcasing the WNBA’s ongoing commitment to community outreach, leadership development, and the promotion of women in sports. For supporters and participants alike, the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star weekend at the Obama Presidential Center promises a compelling blend of athletic excellence, civic engagement, and historic significance.